Excessive licking is an unwelcome behavior in dogs and most people would prefer not to have dog slobber on their arms, face or (worst of all!) in their own mouths. If your dog’s excessive licking is not caused by a health condition, then it is a behavioral trait which can thankfully be addressed through some patient training. The following is a guide that will teach you how to get your dog to stop licking.
Figure out why your dog is licking you
The first thing you need to do is figure out why your dog is licking you to an excessive point. Remember, licking is a natural behavior in dogs and you will never totally eliminate it; however, by pinpointing why your dog tends to lick you a bit too much, you can find ways to reduce the behavior.
The most common reasons why dogs lick people are: need for attention, expressing affection, enjoying the taste, expressing submission, and anxiety/calming them. For instance, a dog may lick you excessively after you return from a morning job because they like the taste of your sweat; or your dog may lick you excessively during a storm because they are afraid of the noise.
Don’t give your dog attention when they lick
Do not give your dog attention when they lick you. This includes negative attention such as telling them “no” or otherwise chastising them. Giving them attention will reinforce the behavior. Instead, stop petting them, do not look at them and if necessary, get up and leave the room. It’s important that you do this right away so that your dog connects you ceasing attention with their licking.
Reduce your “lick appeal” through direct action
In order to reduce your “lick appeal,” you need to find out why your dog is licking you. This will help you choose the best course of action to alter your dog’s behavior. For example: if your dog licks you after you come in sweating from a morning jog, then head to the bathroom to shower or wipe yourself down to get rid of the sweat. If your dog licks you during storms, provide alternative calming methods (such as “thundershirts”) to help ease anxiety.
Redirect your dog’s attention with a toy or bone
You can also reduce excessive licking by finding ways to redirect your dog’s attention with a toy or a bone. It is best to keep easy to reach toys or bones available if you will be in close contact with your dog, especially if you know they tend to lick you during those moments. For instance, if you watch a movie on the couch with your dog in your lap, keep a toy on the side table so you can redirect them if they start licking you.
Remember that licking is a natural behavior in dogs and you are unlikely to eliminate it completely. But you can reduce excessive licking by reducing how appealing you taste, addressing the reason for licking and redirecting your dog when possible.
